Abortion Rights Blog

This is why we don’t call anti-choice activists ‘pro-life’

21/10/2016

Abortion Rights has responded after hearing the tragic news that Valentina Milluzzo, a 32 year old woman has died in Italy following complications to her pregnancy and the reported refusal of her doctor to perform a life-saving abortion.

This case reminds us of the heartbreaking death of Savita Halappanavar in Ireland in 2012 in similar circumstances.

Kerry Abel, Chair of Abortion Rights said

“This is why we don’t call anti-choice activists ‘pro-life’.

“One in three women will have an abortion in her lifetime in the UK and we want to ensure it’s safe, free and legal. In rare cases like this, doctors should be aware that the consequences of their ‘conscientious’ objection could be fatal.”

Notes for the editor

Abortion Rights is the UK’s national campaign for a woman’s right to choose on abortion.

Media contact for photographs and interview Kerry Abel 0207-923-9792

Abortion before 12 weeks has been legal in Italy since 1978

Post 12 week abortions are allowed only if the life of the mother is at risk or there is a problem with a foetus.